They did it again! They beat them! That has become a familiar saying in the Netball competitions in the Marriaqua Valley in recent times.{{more}}

Last Saturday, High Park United, cluttered with a host of national players, edged out Yanja Young Strugglers, 52-50, to walk away with the 2010 Marriaqua Co-operative Credit Union Marriaqua Sports Association title, a trophy, a case of Hype energy drink, compliments Carlton “Teddy” James, and $700.

High Park led 14-12 at the end of the first quarter and maintained their two-goal advantage at the halfway mark, 26-24.

They pulled away in the third quarter and established an eight-point cushion, 44-36. But Young Strugglers made a final quarter surge, but were still pipped by two goals.

The lead scorer for High Park was Skiddy Francis-Crick with 27 and Shellisa Davis sank 25. Roseclaire Hall poured in 34 and Tamara Samuel, 16, to make up Young Strugglers’ tally.

High Park stashed away a trophy for the team that best represented the ideals of the sponsor.

Also at the receiving end of top prizes was Shellisa Davis, who was voted the Player of the Final and the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. She pocketed $50 on both counts.

Another national player, Annella Samuel of High Park was adjudged the Most Outstanding Mid-court Player. The Most Outstanding Shooter was Allana Davis of the third placed team Ean Block Making Fully Loaded, with Daniella Williams, also of Fully Loaded, the Most Outstanding Defender. All three received cash awards of $75.

A player from each of the nine competitions was awarded a $25 cash award for being his/her team’s Most Outstanding Player.

There were also $50 cash awards to spectators Glenda Richards and Zilpha Stewarts for their moral support during the competition.

Velda Chance, who assisted in the cleaning of the grounds, also got a similar reward of recognition.

The Most Disciplined Team award, a trophy, went to Evesham Development Organisation, and Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem, the Best Uniformed Team, got a cash prize of $100.

Prior to last Saturday’s final, Fully Loaded on Thursday secured the third spot when they took out Lime Hill Shotters, 53-34. Fully Loaded won themselves a trophy, $400 and a case of Hype energy drink.

And, the Marriaqua Sports Association need not worry, as Isaac Haywood, who represented the MCCU, assured his board’s sponsorship for year’s completion.

Area representative Hon Girlyn Miguel revealed that the lighting of the Oval and the hard court which is under construction will cost in the vicinity of $71 000, but said that every effort will be made to make this amenity to the facility a reality.

This venue will host the National Lotteries Authority Larry Bascombe Basketball Tournament, set to bounce off Sunday, April 11.

Samantha Lynch, who represented the Department of Physical Education and Sports, also gave brief remarks. (RT)